Improved mode of patching rifle-shot



UNITED STATES PATENT Erica E. H. ISHAM, OF GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT.

IMPROVED MODE OF PATCHING RIFLE-SHOT.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 15,425, dated July 29, 1856.

To all whom "it may concern:

Be it known that (having observed that one of the greatest inventions of modern times had become the mere companion of the traveler and sportsman, when it appeared to be legitimately the invincible fire-arm of a national army, and believing it would unquestionably have been appropriated to army and navy equipment but for the fact that in using the revolving or repeating or breech-loading fire-arm where the oiled patch cannot be conveniently used the barrel becomes quickly leaded, making it inconvenient and unfit for army purposes) I, RALPH HENRY ISHAM, of the town of Green wich, county of Fairfield, and State of Connecticut, applied myself to remedy this defect, and have therefore invented and discovered, after numerous experiments and labors, a new and useful improvement whereby the leading and filling of the barrel in breech-loadin g or revolving or repeating fire-arms and the need of a patch are entirely and absolutely eradicated, leaving it clean, clear, and bright even after the hundredth discharge. The means whereby this desired end is obtained is by my invention of a metallic coated ball or bullet, for

which I esteem a plating of brass to be preferable to any other which I have tried, as it readily yields without fracture to the grooves of a rifled barrel, embedding itself at the same time into the lead beneath, and is a well-known and proved lubricator used in all manner of machinery where delicate and perfect action is required. This bullet incased in the lubricating metal will carry truer and farther than a bullet of any other description whatsoever. This I have fully proved, and therefore desire to secure by Letters Patent.

What I claim therefore, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

The use of a leaden ball or bullet of any desirable form with a metallic case or coating of brass or other firm metal in whole or in part, whether plated, washed, or galvanized, or by whatever mechanical device the coating or par tial coating may be effected for the use and objects of this invention, as set forth.

RALPH HENRY ISHAM.

Witnesses:

JOsEPH LANMAN, JOHN S. HOLLING$HEAD. 

